If your cat ignores catnip, you've probably seen silvervine sticks recommended as the thing to try next. They look like ordinary twigs, so it's fair to wonder what they are and whether they're safe to hand to your cat.
What is silvervine?
Silvervine (Actinidia polygama), called matatabi in Japan, is a climbing plant from the mountains of eastern Asia and a relative of kiwifruit. Cats react to compounds in its stems, leaves and fruit galls, much as they do to catnip: rolling, rubbing their cheeks, licking, chewing and sometimes a burst of zoomies.
Does it work on cats that ignore catnip?
Often, yes. In a 2017 study published in BMC Veterinary Research, about 80% of the domestic cats tested responded to silvervine, compared with roughly two thirds for catnip. Most of the cats that ignored catnip did react to silvervine. Our silvervine vs. catnip guide has more on that study.
Is silvervine safe?
Silvervine is not considered toxic to cats, and it's used the same way as catnip. The main things to watch are practical, not chemical:
- Chewing and splinters. Cats are meant to gnaw on silvervine sticks, not eat them. Supervise chewing, and throw away a stick once it starts to split or gets small enough to swallow.
- Moderation. A reaction usually lasts from a few minutes up to about half an hour, then most cats lose interest for a while. A few short sessions a week is plenty. Too much powder or chewed plant at once can upset some cats' stomachs.
- Kittens. Many kittens don't react until they're several months old, so don't worry if a young kitten ignores it.
- Health conditions. If your cat has a medical condition, is pregnant or is on medication, check with your vet first.
Why do cats rub silvervine on their face?
A 2021 study in Science Advances found that the main active compound in silvervine, nepetalactol, repels mosquitoes. When cats rub their cheeks and heads on the plant, they coat their fur with it. The researchers think this may be one reason the behavior exists, though the happy rolling is clearly fun in its own right.
How to use silvervine sticks
- Offer one stick and let your cat sniff, lick and gnaw on it while you're nearby.
- If nothing happens, lightly scrape the bark with a fingernail or rub it between your palms to release more scent.
- Put the stick away in a sealed bag or jar after the session. It keeps the scent fresh and the stick special.
- Replace sticks when they split, get slimy or stop working.
Where to start
The Silvervine Chew Sticks, 6-Pack is the easiest way to try it. If your cat prefers to grab and kick, the Sisal-Wrapped Silvervine Stick adds a scratchy texture, and the Mad Cat Big Purrito Kicker combines catnip and silvervine in one toy. Browse everything in the Catnip & Silvervine collection.
Sources: Bol S. et al. (2017), BMC Veterinary Research; Uenoyama R. et al. (2021), Science Advances. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.